Native Jeweler Goes Online
Saine Atencio from Santo Domingo Pueblo has hand-made and sold traditional Native American jewelry for years. She used to drive across the country to sell her work. Now she realizes modern business practices will allow her to expand her business and make it more cost-effective. Saine worked with a local organizations nearest her pueblo, Empowering Our Communities. Saine started saving through...
Read MoreRenter Buys First Home, Investing in Community
“I cleared up my credit and, after that, we had no trouble finding a lender. I realized I really don’t want to get things on credit; it’s better to save.” - Jeannette Jeanette Esparza has five children. For years, finding rental homes with enough space was a challenge. Jeanette’s first step towards becoming a home owner was to participate in financial literacy training offered by the...
Read MoreOrganic Farmer Goes Global
Steve Heil of Gallup, New Mexico is an organic farmer growing native herbal tea. Demand for his tea grew so quickly that he needed to buy a harvester to keep up. Time was of the essence. Steve opened an IDA through Cuatro Puertas, a local community development corporation. In less than a year he saved $1,000 which, when matched, became $5,000. Steve was able to buy the harvester in time for the...
Read MoreAfter 30 Years, Couple Earns College Degrees
Karen and Clifford Lucero graduated high school more than 30 years ago. Clifford is a recovered drug addict. Working with the CNM Center for Working Families, he completed his Associates Degree at an Albuquerque community college. He is now enrolled at the University of New Mexico, working towards his Bachelor’s Degree. Clifford plans to earn a graduate degree in family studies or social...
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